This is a structure with the traditional tiled roof right by the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. A single chair inside it. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Pull Up a Seat Challenge
Tag: Travels
Adventure Begins at Noi Bai Airport
We hadn’t even stepped out of the airport yet when these beautiful murals at Noi Bai Airport already welcomed us to Hanoi. It felt like the trip started the moment we walked past those walls — colourful, detailed, and full of culture. 🇻🇳 Sometimes the journey begins even before you leave the airport. I am…
Floral Friday – 30
This is the Etlingera Elatior, also known as Torch Ginger. Saw these on the lawn found in Villa Escudero, a historical plantation resort nestled in the scenic countryside of Quezon province in the Philippines. These two flowers don’t look alike but when I Google searched, it came up with the same name. This is for Floral…
Colour in Black & White
Colour in food always makes me want to eat. Bright reds, fresh greens, golden browns — they almost call out to you before you even take a bite. But what happens when the colour disappears? When everything is in black and white, will you still feel tempted to taste it? This week’s Lens Artist Photo…
Floral Friday – 29
Heliconia found in the beachfront garden of our AirBnb in Dauin, Dumaguete. Floral Friday
A walk by the sea
Anne’s challenge this week is to post something about relaxation — and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve just come back from a wonderfully relaxing escape in Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines. Dauin is a lovely spot in the Visayas region with a population of just over 30,000, I found the town to be peaceful and…
Snippets of my first week in Vietnam
First week in Vietnam 🇻🇳 and my senses are still catching up. Hanoi streets buzzing with fast-moving tuk-tuks, horns everywhere, and energy that never seems to slow down. From the calm, misty waters of Ha Long Bay to the exciting buzz of Hanoi Train Street. Peaceful views one day, coffee by the tracks the next….
Floral Friday 28 – Banana Blossoms
Outside our hotel in Sapa, Vietnam. Stayed at Pao’s Sapa. This flower is called Banana Blossoms. It is a symbol of wealth, love, and beauty. Floral Friday
Snippets of my first week in Manila
Hello Manila.. I’m not a morning person and rarely catch the sunrise. But during my first week in Makati, staying at my sister’s place, sunrise found me instead … gently spilling across my face and waking me up each morning. The food was so good — but wow, the sweet stuff! Filipino food really loves…
On the way to our High School Reunion
On the way to my Golden High School Reunion Welcome Lunch for “Balikbayans” (term used for those living overseas and coming back to our native land) , we passed by doors from around the Makati area. Then we reached the grand gates of the gated community along Mackinley Road in Forbes Park where the Welcome…
Tuesday Streetart: Larong Pinoy – 117
“Larong Pinoy” (Filipino Games) is a streetart by Gerilya in 30th Street corner 7th Avenue in Bonifacio Global City. It features street games we used to play when we were kids such as tumbang preso, luksong tinik, tagu-taguan, and sipa. This mural visually brings us back to the time when kids experienced the joy of…
Skyscraper Windows
On the way to my niece’s place to have brunch. I am linking this to Monday Window Challenge
Good morning Manila
Arrived yesterday. Stayed up late catching up with family … stories, laughter, food, drinks. Went to bed way too late… but woke up to this. What a view from the top floor of my sister’s place. So grateful for this lovely sunrise. I am linking this to Xingfumama’s Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge
Manholes can be Charming
Japan has a talent for turning the ordinary into something charming. Even manhole covers, once plain and practical, they’re now colourful artworks showing local symbols, landmarks, and stories. Today, around 95% of Japan’s cities and towns have their own unique manhole designs, each reflecting local identity in a small but delightful way. The following 2…
Tuesday Streetart: Japan – 116
On our way from Tokyo to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station, we made a quick stop (toilet and lunch break) … and yes, I got excited to see these murals.
Windows at the Porto Cathedral
Here are some windows at the Porto Cathedral taken on October 2023. I am linking this to Monday Window Challenge
Kyoto Doors at Night
Walking around Kyoto at night, I noticed the doors. Wooden doors, metal doors and small shopfronts sat quietly under soft lights. Each one felt calm and timeless, resting after a long day (except of course for the ever busy Don Quijote – a Japanese discount store). I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Verona in Monochrome
There’s no set theme for this week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge, so I’ve decided to feature monochrome shots from my travels. This is Verona in Italy. Wandering through the narrow lanes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by history and stories — from ancient Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces. Verona is a city that feels like it was…
Shapes & Designs
Shapes and designs is the topic for this week’s Lens Artist Photo Challenge from Tina. This is such a vast topic that it’s hard to know where to start. So today, I’ve decided to narrow it down to architecture.., exploring forms and patterns found in Sydney, Melbourne, and Barcelona. This is the State Library of…
Doors can be fun
Japan’s doors are not all about quiet minimalism, nor are they purely chaotic bursts of detail. Some sit gently in between … and some are simply fun. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge and Natalie’s Photographing Public Art Challenge
Szentendre Triptychs in Monochrome
This week’s Monochrome Madness Challenge is from Elke with the theme of Triptychs. This is Szentendre, a charming riverside town just outside Budapest, known for its cobblestone streets, colourful facades, and creative art scene. With its baroque churches, quirky museums, vibrant public art, and lively markets, the town feels both historic and playful. Szentendre in…
Where did 10 years go?
2026 is the new 2016” isn’t just a random caption — it’s become a social media phenomenon where millions of users on platforms like TikTok and Instagram – ChatGPT Joining the bandwagon of nostalgia… grateful I went when I could, laughed when I did, and took way too many photos. These are photos from my…
Almost Deleted
I often find myself drawn to the rejects in photography—the frames that didn’t quite make the cut. The ones that are slightly off, imperfect, or overlooked. Sometimes it’s in these discarded moments where the real story lives: a raw expression, an honest haze, a feeling that wasn’t planned. They may not be technically perfect, but…
Where Smiles Meet the Grumpy Chef
In Osaka, I spotted several smiling golden figures sitting proudly in Japanese restaurants and shopfronts. This is Billiken, a beloved good-luck character. Originally inspired by a Western statue and introduced to Japan in the early 1900s, Billiken has become a symbol of happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. Billiken is usually shown seated, with pointy ears…
Simple Doors in Osaka
Osaka may be bustling, yet these doors whisper simplicity and serenity. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Carrousel de la Tour Eiffel
Inspired by Leanne’s Monochrome Madness Theme of Carousel, this image was captured while wandering the streets of Paris. Jack and I were walking from the Eiffel Tower along the Seine, heading towards where the Bateaux-Mouches boats were docked, an easy half-hour stroll. We boarded the river cruise at sunset and that’s when the city softened…
Minimalism in Black & White
Black and white is where minimalism feels most at home. Stripped of colour, there is no distraction. A single subject can speak louder than a crowded scene, inviting the eye to see less—which sometimes is all that matters. (As suggested by my fellow bloggers, Ritva and Sarah, this image may work better using the rule…
Travel Diary in Osaka Castle – Day 14
TRAVEL DIARY: OSAKA CASTLE, SHINSEKAI MARKET There’s a charming little tourist train, often called the Osaka Castle Park Train, which loops around the castle grounds. It is an easy way to see the sights and save on walking. Here are some images from around the castle, with the added bonus of autumn colours. Food stalls…
Shop doors in Shinsekai
This is in Osaka’s nostalgic Shinsekai district where there are rows of small shopfronts. Many open into modest eateries selling Osaka favourites, souvenirs, and affordable meals, giving the street its lively, old-fashioned charm. I am linking this to Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge.
Monochrome Moments at Place du Tertre
Visiting local markets is one of my favourite things to do when travelling. And not to be missed is Place du Tertre, the famous artists’ square in the heart of Montmartre, Paris which is known for its lively atmosphere. Montmartre is extra special—not only for its food and colourful stalls, but for the artists who…